Well, we decided after looking at websites about names that we would spell his name AXEL instead of after the car part. So we went to petco and made a new tag for him.  Monday he has an appointment with the vet to check on the lump on his hind leg and have his overall health evaluation.

He did great all night long.  No whining at all.  I woke at 7:30 this morning and remembered that he was there and needed to go out for a pee.  After that he had some breakfast, played with his toys and went out for a #2.  (knock on wood, he’s doing well, 1 accident so far)… After we were dressed, we decided to take him for a car ride. So we went over to Brittney’s home (Curtis’ girlfriend) and let him socialize with her, her mom and their dogs.  However, the dogs there were not happy.  Probably best to let them socialize on neutral territory.  Her dogs are Maltese and a cockapoo (I think).  Axel enjoyed them and wanted to play.  After we left there, I needed to drop off mail at the fire house, so we took him there for a change of scenery. We let him walk around there for a few minutes.  He does great in the back of the Explorer.  He lays down and sleeps.  We are taking him out every day, so that he isn’t only going out in the vehicle for vet appointments.

He has had to spend some time in "Time-out".  He is biting too much and not listening. Of course, he’s a puppy and that is what they do.  I forgot how awful this part is.  Scolding them does little to nothing to avert the behavior, only makes him do it more.  Gary’s suggestion is to hold him close and firmly, letting him know that he is in control, not pup.  When all else fails, time out in the crate is necessary.  I tend to get a little too frustrated and I lose patience.  Pretty damn fast.  He is doing better this evening, he is laying at my feet, sleeping and snoring.

Tomorrow starts day 2.  I’m terrified of putting up the Christmas tree, I know he is going to eat it and everything on it.  We might have to wait for a while before we decorate.  At least till we can get some control of his eating everything in sight.  lol  But he’s so cute.